CANCER (CONT’D)
From 1992 to 1999, the incidence rate of breast
cancer among U.S. women increased nearly 5 percent,
from
129.8 per 100,000 population in 1992 to 135.9
in 1999. Breast cancer increased among White and
Asian/Pacific
Islander females, while the rates among American
Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic and Black women
remained relatively stable during this period.
In 1999, White
women had the highest incidence rates of breast
cancer (140.8), followed by Black women (120.9).
The colon cancer rate for females overall declined
slightly, from 47.9 in 1992 to 45.5 in 1999.
American Indian/Alaska Native women had a major decrease
in the incidence of colon/rectum cancer, while
other racial
groups had smaller decreases. In 1999, Black
women
had the highest incidence rates of colorectal
cancer (56.1), followed by White (44.6) and Asian/Pacific
Islander women (40.2).
Although death rates from colorectal and lung/bronchus
cancers are higher than breast cancer death
rates, breast cancer is more common among U.S. women.
The rate of new cases of breast cancer (135.9)
in 1999
was nearly three times higher than the incidence
rates of lung/bronchus (48.2) and colon/rectum
(45.5) cancers.
Health behaviors such as not smoking, being
physically active, and eating a low-fat and
nutritious diet
may reduce the risk of cancer.1 Screening
for specific types of cancer in women is also recommended.
Pap
smears
should begin three years after sexual activity
begins, or at the age of 21, whichever comes
first. Mammograms
are recommended for women aged 40 years and
older to screen for breast cancer and, for
persons
aged 50 and
older, fecal occult blood testing and sigmoidoscopy
are recommended to screen for colorectal
cancer.2 A
recent study found that breastfeeding may also reduce
the risk for premenopausal breast cancer
and ovarian cancer.3
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